DE RIJP TILE PICTURE

Initial Condition and Challenges

Prior to intervention, about one-third of the tiles had already been removed. The panel was found to be embedded in a two-part plaster system: a gypsum-based plaster with embedded iron mesh, and a softer layer directly beneath the tiles. The iron reinforcement had caused rust staining, and sulphur compounds in the plaster further contributed to deterioration.

Importantly, the tiles had been set directly into plaster without adhesive—some even installed while already broken. Gap fills were also plaster-based, with minimal previous retouching, especially along the decorative border. Surface dirt, chipped glaze, and fragile break edges were common, while several tiles were misaligned or mismatched. Some decorative elements, like the border and a coat of arms tile, appeared to be later additions.

Conservation Strategy

Each tile was carefully documented and numbered before removal. A combination of manual tools and techniques ensured safe detachment. Residual plaster and old fills were removed mechanically, with occasional softening using deionised water to protect delicate glazes.

The tiles were cleaned using steam and purified water, revealing their original surfaces and removing ingrained dirt. Edges and cracks were consolidated using reversible conservation materials, and broken tiles were reassembled with care, incorporating all fragments.

Losses in the ceramic and glaze were filled using stable, conservation-grade materials. Original manufacturing marks—such as stilt impressions and glaze ripples—were deliberately left visible as part of the tile's historic character.

Mounting and Finishing

For mounting, the tiles were attached to a lightweight, rigid honeycomb panel using a reversible adhesive. A protective barrier layer was applied between the tile and the adhesive to allow for future removal. Tile spacing was carefully controlled to preserve the visual flow of the scene, accounting for differences in size and motif alignment.

The grout between tiles was replaced to ensure the panel's security and cleanliness, especially given its location in a high-traffic public corridor.

Retouching was carried out using lightfast, reversible paints. The aim was visual reintegration: inconspicuous from a normal viewing distance, but detectable on closer inspection—ensuring clarity between original and restored areas in line with ethical conservation standards.

Conclusion

The conservation of the De Rijp Tile Picture brought this intricate and historically rich Delftware panel back to life. The intervention stabilised its structure, clarified its imagery, and made it suitable for long-term public display—all while preserving the evidence of its making and previous history. The project reflects a sensitive, reversible, and well-documented approach to ceramic conservation.